Integrated manual therapy for the upper cervical spine and headache

Integrated manual therapy for the upper cervical spine and headache

Course Philosophy

This is an eclectic manual therapy programme combining techniques from many different manual therapy concepts. This eclectic approach provides clinicians with a range of tools to safely manage patients with a variety of different upper cervical pain disorders. An important part of this course is clinical evaluation. There is also a strong emphasis on teaching clinicians the ability to perform an accurate and specific manual therapy examination.

Articular System
As part of the assessment of the articular system the aim is to teach a range of evidence-based passive motion testing procedures to include provocative tests in combined positions for specific structures as well as tests to determine specific motion segment dysfunction. This is particularly important in the management of headache disorders.

Neural System
An overview of neural tissue pain disorders will be presented with differential diagnosis for different types of neural dysfunction, including neuropathic pain with sensory hypersensitivity, peripheral nerve sensitization and compressive neuropathy. Assessment to distinguish the common forms of neural disorders in headache will be demonstrated and practiced. The clinical relevance of distinguishing these different types of disorders will be presented, particularly in relation to management.

Muscle System
Recurrent and recalcitrant pain disorders of the cervical spine require an assessment of trunk, scapula and cervical spine dynamic and static postural and motor control as well as muscle function to determine impairment. Impairment is not always linked to the presenting pain disorder, so requires careful consideration. An emphasis of this programme is a functional approach to the assessment of the cervical/shoulder girdle muscle system.

A core principle of the programme is the ongoing clinical reasoning based on the subjective and physical examination. This programme does not provide the participants with a recipe approach to treatment. Students will be able to develop though sound methodology, appropriate treatment strategies with logical progression over time.

Participants
There is no pre-requisite in terms of manual therapy experience. The programme offers a high level of information and clinical expertise, providing all participants regardless of previous clinical experience and knowledge with a stimulating learning environment. Previous programme participants have recommended this programme. They have reported excellent feedback in terms of material content, presenter?s knowledge, and practical supervision.